It's been quite an adventure raising a now-teenager who was diagnosed with diabetes just after her first birthday! Please realize that what you'll read here is not intended as medical advice; it's just the ramblings of a sleep-deprived mom. Always consult your medical team about your treatment options, but do stop by from time to time for a bit of perspective.

Awareness Of What?

I've read a couple of pieces this week discussing what the purpose of diabetes awareness month should be. Awareness is the obvious answer, but awareness of what?

Should it be awareness that people with diabetes can do anything people without diabetes can? No foods are forbidden. There are famous athletes, musicians, and supreme court justices with diabetes. My kid can come to your kid's birthday party, whatever it may entail.

Should it be awareness that diabetes is a terrible disease to live with? It involves piercing the skin with sharp objects many times per day. Cumbersome equipment and its related management is a constant. Horrific complications and impending demise are around every corner.

Should it be advocacy for a cure? Don't cut national funding for medical research. Allow scientists to use all the tools at their disposal to find a way to erase diabetes. Donate to JDRF or DRI or ADA.

Should it be an increased sense of community? Wear blue on Fridays, and today (she writes, realizing she sent her daughter to school in purple...). Send postcards to each other with blue circles on them. Blog more.

Or is it simpler than all that? Maybe simple awareness, though obvious, is the true purpose, and any of the above will do. Whatever it is that means the most to me, or you, is what we should do. The important part is not how we share the message, but that we do it at all.

Diabetes exists, and we'd rather it didn't anymore. Please be aware of that.

About Me

I've been writing Adventures In Diabetes Parenting since early 2011. It's written as a glimpse into our family's life with Type 1 Diabetes. I also dabble in writing about parenting, food, gardening and much more.
I can be reached at adventuresindiabetesparenting@gmail.com